LORD of my life! inspire my song, To Thee my noblest powers belong; Grant me thy favourite seraph's flame, To sing the glories of thy name. My birth, my fortune, friends, and health, My knowledge too, superior wealth; Lord of my life! to Thee I owe; Teach me to practise what I know. Ten thousand favours claim my song, And each demands an angel's tongue; Mercy sits smiling on the wings Of every moment as it springs. But oh! with infinite surprise I see returning years arise; When unimprov'd the former score, Lord, wilt thou trust me still with more? Thousands this period hop'd to see; Denied to thousands, granted me; Thousands! that weep, and wish, and pray For those rich hours I throw away. The tribute of my heart receive, 'Tis the poor @3all@1 I have to give; Should it prove faithless, Lord, I'd wrest The bleeding traitor from my breast. |